A popular landlady who managed one of Kent’s independent pubs for 28 years is set to retire.

Annmarie Hoare has run The Crown at Upchurch since 1994 and is now looking forward to spending more time with her family.

The 64-year-old says she has fond memories of working at the historic hostelry over the years.

“I’ve sponsored the local football team and we used to have brilliant nights,” she explained.

“We’ve had lots of parties, weddings and funerals. Halloween and Christmas is always a fabulous time.

“I normally end up cooking on New Year’s Day for whoever is left here at 3am. I’ll go upstairs and do them breakfast.

“Now I’m serving generations of families – their children’s children who are now 18 years old – that’s when you realise just how long you’ve been here.”

The popular landlady from Dartford, went to The Downs School, and says said she had no idea that she would eventually own the establishment.

She added: “It was never a dream of mine.

“I used to work at the Wellcome Foundation, originally called Burroughs and Wellcome, filtering chemicals – totally different I know.”

Annmarie took over The Crown in October 1994, with her ex-husband Clive and daughter Sophie, who was 14 years old when they moved in.

She said: “I’ve always worked in pubs part-time. I did it in the evenings after my full-time job – you needed extra money in those days.

“I also spent time running The Tiger along St Albans Road in Dartford, for a year for my friend.

“People had told me The Crown was for sale, I knew it and the village well.

“I came and had an interview in the pub – it was much easier back then – and they said I could have it, just like that.”

She added: “When we came and looked around, it was completely empty, but it felt right.

“I knew straight away it was going to be a good pub.”

The building in The Street in Upchurch dates back to 1483, and was previously run by professional boxer, Terry Spinks MBE.

He famously won a gold medal at the Melbourne Olympics in 1956.

Originally from Canning Town in London’s East End, Terry came to live in Upchurch and took over the pub in September 1981.

He eventually left The Crown with his wife Barbara in 1987 and became tenants of The Coach and Horses pub in Worthing, Sussex.

After a long run of 28 years, Annmarie will pour her last pint on Monday, November 21.

Her successor, Sophie Barnes, says she is looking forward to taking the reigns.

She said: “Annie has built a really welcoming and friendly environment and I want to keep that.

“I would like to introduce more entertainment – show the football, Christmas parties, live bands, DJs and quiz nights.

“I’m really excited, but equally nervous, as I’m taking on a massive lifestyle and career change.”

The 33-year-old from Newington will be quitting her job of 15 years as a relationship manager for Age Foundation.

Despite having no background in bar work, she started working at the pub last November, with the view that she would take it over when the time came.

“I have been coming here ever since I was a kid,” Sophie explained.

“I don’t remember the first time Annmarie and I met – I probably was too young, but she’s always been there.

“She mentioned the pub was for sale one evening, and I thought ‘I’d like that challenge’.

“I wanted the pub to stay with someone that knows the village and its locals.”

Now set on retirement, Annmarie says she has a couple of things planned, but she is looking forward to spending more time with her grandchildren, Ellie, 16, and Leah, 13.

She said: “Next year I have lots booked – I have five or six little holidays to Croatia, Bournemouth, Northern Ireland and Wales.

“I’m going to get back into reading again and short mat bowls, which I started in the village.

“It will be a strange feeling, walking out and not coming back,” she added.

“At the moment a couple of regulars don’t think I’m leaving, as every Christmas I say I’m going, but this time it’s for real.”

“I’ve had some lovely messages and flowers from all the customers. It’s been a big chunk of my life.”